RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, left, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, watches MWD Uta as she bites on a suit worn by Staff Sgt. Cameron Gilbert, 100th SFS MWD handler, during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water, preparing these vital assets to operate in unpredictable terrain across U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and bolster the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to forward-deploy in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keila Falcon, standing, and Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, both 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, hold on to MWD Uta as she prepares to leap into a pool and perform a bite during water confidence training at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water, prepares these vital assets to operate in unpredictable terrain and bolsters the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to forward-deploy in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog Glen, 100th Security Forces Squadron, watches his MWD trainer, during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training tests the MWDs’ confidence in being placed in an unknown environment and demonstrates that they can overcome stress while still meeting operational standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, carries MWD Glen on his shoulder after bite work during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, left, and Staff Sgt. Samuel McPheron, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, praise MWD Juan as he rests after performing a bite during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water, and bolsters the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to forward-deploy in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Gilbert, left, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, reacts as MWD Uta grips onto the bite suit while Staff Sgt. Keira Falcon, 100th SFS MWD handler, holds onto the leash during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water, preparing these vital assets to operate in unpredictable terrain across U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa to support the Agile Combat Employment mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Charles Pope, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master, holds on to MWD Mmoab as he prepares to launch into a pool and perform a bite during water confidence training at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water and bolsters the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to forward-deploy in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Gilbert, left, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, braces himself as MWD Glen grips onto the bite suit while Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, 100th SFS MWD handler, holds onto the leash during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water and bolsters the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to forward-deploy in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog Glen, 100th Security Forces Squadron swims with his incentive toy, guided by Staff Sgt. Julian Benjamin, right, 100th Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog Vantor, 100th Security Forces Squadron, paddles after jumping in a pool during water confidence training at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time this type of training has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area, and the goal is to build confidence in the working dogs, so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. The training tests the MWDs’ confidence in being placed in an unknown environment and demonstrates that they can overcome stress while still meeting operational standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Samuel McPheron, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, praises MWD Juan after he performs a bite during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. This was the first time it has been conducted at RAF Mildenhall and the tri-base area. This training builds confidence in the working dogs so they are able to conduct operational tasks while in the water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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RAFM MWDs perform first water-confidence training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keila Falcon, left, and Staff Sgt. Samuel McPheron, 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, hold on to MWD Juan as he shakes off water after performing a bite during water confidence training in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. The training tests the MWDs’ confidence in being placed in an unknown environment and demonstrates that they can overcome stress while still meeting operational standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainers conduct water confidence training with their MWD's in a pool at RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 12, 2025. The training strengthens the overall readiness and force projection capability through building MWDs’ confidence in the water, preparing these vital assets to operate in unpredictable terrain across U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa to support the Agile Combat Employment mission.